Update on eReaders with Public Libraries

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Earbanean

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#268524 23-Mar-2020 22:08

I know this has been discussed before in old threads, but I was keen on the current situation. We want to get an eReader for our son - like tomorrow. We have a couple of Kindles and some books for those, but there're are heaps of books in Auckland Public libraries that he likes and they're free. We've used Libby on an iPad but we're after a dedicated device.

Is there a reasonably straight forward process to convert Library downloads to Kindle? If not, is a Kobo Clara easily compatible with the libraries?

jamesrt

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#2445044 23-Mar-2020 22:22

Placing library-loan books on a Kindle will require DRM removal; and I'm fairly sure that any instructions in that area are against the FUG.

I'm fairly sure the Kobo will integrate well; they used to a few years ago when my wife had one.

jonathan18

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#2445118 24-Mar-2020 06:46

Getting library books onto some (older?) Kobos is slightly annoying but relatively straightforward. It requires you to download the files from the library onto your computer and then use Adobe Digital Edition to transfer them to the Kobo. My son (12) manages this fine, but I did do it for him when he first got the Kobo.

More Kobos do now have OverDrive built in - this is the platform many NZ libraries use for ebooks. I have one such model, and it means I can browse or search for books held by my local library and borrow them directly, without needing to use a computer at all.

According to the following link, the Clara HD has Overdrive built in, so would be perfect as it would avoid all those other hassles, noting you’d just want to check your local library uses Overdrive.

https://help.kobo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018160953-Which-Kobo-eReaders-have-OverDrive-

esawers

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#2445146 24-Mar-2020 08:08

I have the Clara, I have never read so many books in my life!
I use the Libby app on my phone to choose and borrow books (the ereader is still a bit clunky), and then sync the Clara and it downloads al of the books I have borrowed, best investment I have made.

eracode

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#2445153 24-Mar-2020 08:25

esawers: I have the Clara, I have never read so many books in my life!
I use the Libby app on my phone to choose and borrow books (the ereader is still a bit clunky), and then sync the Clara and it downloads al of the books I have borrowed, best investment I have made.

I use the Libby app on my iPad to download and listen to audio books from Auckland City Library - works very well. All free and ACL has thousands of e-books.

Don't know if it works with other NZ libraries.

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jonathan18

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#2445178 24-Mar-2020 08:44

Yeah, I generally also find books via the library's Overdrive portal on my laptop or iPad, then sync the Kobo; the key advantage is there's no need to physically connect the Kobo to a computer and go through the hassles of using Digital Editions.

Libby's available at a wide range of public libraries in NZ, as this search shows:

https://www.google.com/search?q=libby+public+library+site%3A.nz&rlz=1C1CHBF_enNZ798NZ798&oq=libby+public+library+site%3A.nz&aqs=chrome..69i57.545j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

And I hope a lot more people do become aware of what amazing digital services are available for free from their local library - RB Digital and Press Reader for example provide a huge range of magazines and newspapers. Borrowbox has been the saviour for many a family car trip, given the decent range of audio books that can be borrowed via the local library.

Earbanean

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#2445330 24-Mar-2020 10:53

Yeah, we've been using Libby. It's great and has shown how many titles are available. However, that's on our iPad and we want a dedicated device for our son to read on. Kobo sounds good, but we do already have a couple of Kindles and books for them, so not sure if we want to split eco-systems.

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Senecio

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#2445337 24-Mar-2020 11:02

My wife has the Kobo Aura One with OverDrive built in. She loves it, easily sync's with the AKLY Libraries and there are plenty of ebooks available for her to read.

allan

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#2445484 24-Mar-2020 14:03

Without hijacking the thread toooo much, if you're after some interesting but less mainstream movies, try Kanopy, also available from you local public library service. Five free movies per month.

jonathan18

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#2445503 24-Mar-2020 14:32

allan:

Without hijacking the thread toooo much, if you're after some interesting but less mainstream movies, try Kanopy, also available from you local public library service. Five free movies per month.

Thanks, that's useful to know; I hadn't come across this, but have checked and my local library supports it (though I note that on that site it says it provides eight movies in a calendar month). States that it streams "from a computer, mobile device, Apple TV, and Chromecast", which should be flexible enough for most.

jonathan18

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#2445506 24-Mar-2020 14:33

Earbanean:

Yeah, we've been using Libby. It's great and has shown how many titles are available. However, that's on our iPad and we want a dedicated device for our son to read on. Kobo sounds good, but we do already have a couple of Kindles and books for them, so not sure if we want to split eco-systems.

I don't see any issue having Kobos and Kindles in the same household. You can always 'convert' your Kindle content to be compatible with the Kobo, but if the intention is to make the most of free books from the library (and I totally get why you'd want a dedicated device, rather than using a tablet or phone) then I think it's a no-brainer to go with an Overdrive-enabled Kobo.

That said, it may pay to make a call soon - the NL site this morning showed a huge number sold in the last week (think it was 300sh), and I note it's no longer listed; assume other stores may have stock, however.

allan

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#2445546 24-Mar-2020 16:04

jonathan18:

allan:

Without hijacking the thread toooo much, if you're after some interesting but less mainstream movies, try Kanopy, also available from you local public library service. Five free movies per month.

Thanks, that's useful to know; I hadn't come across this, but have checked and my local library supports it (though I note that on that site it says it provides eight movies in a calendar month). States that it streams "from a computer, mobile device, Apple TV, and Chromecast", which should be flexible enough for most.

Would appear that the quantity per month differs per Library. I just checked again with Wellington City Library and the limit there is five, but weirdly updated to six while I was looking at it.

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Earbanean

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#2445972 25-Mar-2020 08:26

Well, that got preempted a bit, as eReaders were selling out everywhere and with time running out my wife grabbed a Kindle Paper White. It was a pretty good deal - with an Amazon Echo Dot thrown in for free. So I might have a go at the library to Kindle conversion. We're also starting Kindle Unlimited, so it'll be interesting to see how that goes.

Gordy7

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#2446049 25-Mar-2020 09:48

Not sure if this is applicable for Library ebooks.

When my wife wants a book/conversion for her Kindle Paper White, I use Calibre.

https://calibre-ebook.com/

Gordy

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